AN English non-league club are set for a major stadium makeover, with almost £1million being pumped into a new roof and external cladding.
Dartford FC’s home at Princes Park is due to undergo extensive repairs after the stadium’s existing roof and timber wall coverings were found to have reached the end of their lifespan.
The ground, which opened in 2006, is owned by Dartford Borough Council, who identified the need for structural work last year.
Initial plans included £607,000 in the council’s 2026/27 budget to fund the repairs, after upgrades to the boiler, control systems and PA system were completed during the previous financial year.
But further investigations uncovered more extensive damage than first expected, sending the estimated cost soaring to £1.3million.
Surveys found moisture had spread across more than 60 per cent of the roof, leaving insulation saturated and damaging the plywood decking beneath.
The timber larch cladding was also found to have reached the end of its 15-year design life, meaning a full strip-back and replacement of the supporting mounting system will be required.
Following a tender process, bids for the work ranged from £800,000 to £1.73m.
Councillors therefore agreed to make up to £300,000 available from the authority’s reserves to cover the extra costs and approved the awarding of the contract at a cabinet meeting on October 29.
The council says the improvements will also bring the stadium up to modern insulation standards, making the building more energy efficient and providing long-term protection for its structure and appearance.
The work could even give something to think about, with Old Trafford‘s notorious leaking roof becoming an increasingly embarrassing problem for the Red Devils.
Dartford, meanwhile, have an intriguing figure in the dugout.
Manager Ben Greenhalgh has a Champions League winners’ medal from 2009/10 from his time at .
Greenhalgh shot to fame after winning the reality TV show ‘s Next Star in 2010, earning himself a professional contract with the Italian giants.
Just months later, he was part of the Inter set-up as ‘s side beat 2-0 in the Champions League final at the Bernabeu, completing a historic Treble.
Although Greenhalgh never made a first-team appearance and was not included in the matchday squad, he was awarded a winner’s medal.
Around 18 months ago, he : “Looking back, it’s absolutely mental. To be part of Inter’s best season ever is incredible.
“I jumped at the opportunity to take the medal. We got given about five extras.“
